Want to know the sterile processing technician salary details for different states in 2025? You’re in the right place. Central sterile technicians make anywhere from $28,750 to $77,180 annually, depending on where they work.
This comprehensive guide breaks down sterile processing tech salary data by state. You’ll discover which states pay the most, which offer the best value for your money, and how to maximize your earnings. Furthermore, we’ll show you the exact training pathway to land these positions through training programs at PTTI in Philadelphia.
| State/Territory | Hourly Rate (Avg.) | Estimated Annual Income (Avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| California | $28.60 | $59,490 |
| District of Columbia | $28.25 | $58,760 |
| Alaska | $25.42 | $52,870 |
| Hawaii | $25.06 | $52,130 |
| Massachusetts | $24.56 | $51,080 |
| New York | $23.68 | $49,250 |
| Delaware | $23.38 | $48,620 |
| Oregon | $23.21 | $48,270 |
| Nevada | $22.47 | $46,730 |
| Washington | $22.28 | $46,350 |
| New Jersey | $22.27 | $46,320 |
| Colorado | $22.21 | $46,210 |
| Connecticut | $22.04 | $45,850 |
| Maryland | $21.78 | $45,290 |
| Rhode Island | $21.95 | $45,660 |
| Minnesota | $21.49 | $44,700 |
| New Hampshire | $21.23 | $44,160 |
| State/Territory | Hourly Rate (Avg.) | Estimated Annual Income (Avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $19.81 | $41,210 |
| Michigan | $19.67 | $40,920 |
| Arizona | $20.51 | $42,660 |
| Wisconsin | $20.24 | $42,110 |
| Pennsylvania | $20.34 | $42,310 |
| Utah | $20.40 | $42,420 |
| Texas | $19.93 | $41,460 |
| Idaho | $19.81 | $41,200 |
| Maine | $20.00 | $41,600 |
| Vermont | $20.07 | $41,750 |
| Illinois | $20.85 | $43,380 |
| Indiana | $20.15 | $41,920 |
| North Dakota | $20.94 | $43,550 |
| Montana | $19.44 | $40,440 |
| Kansas | $18.95 | $39,420 |
| Kentucky | $18.98 | $39,480 |
| Ohio | $19.83 | $41,240 |
| State/Territory | Hourly Rate (Avg.) | Estimated Annual Income (Avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $19.66 | $40,900 |
| North Carolina | $18.99 | $39,500 |
| Oklahoma | $18.07 | $37,580 |
| Iowa | $18.62 | $38,720 |
| Missouri | $18.69 | $38,880 |
| South Carolina | $18.33 | $38,120 |
| Tennessee | $18.31 | $38,070 |
| Florida | $18.39 | $38,250 |
| Arkansas | $16.53 | $34,380 |
| Alabama | $15.91 | $33,090 |
| Mississippi | $16.03 | $33,340 |
| Louisiana | $17.43 | $36,240 |
| South Dakota | $17.91 | $37,260 |
| Nebraska | $18.17 | $37,800 |
| West Virginia | $17.85 | $37,120 |
| Guam | $20.92 | $43,520 |
| Puerto Rico | $11.56 | $24,050 |
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Ever wondered how much do sterile processing technicians make on average? Sterile processing technicians earned an average of between $42,000 and $52,969 in 2025 in the United States. However, this number tells only part of the story. Top earners can easily pull in $70,000 to $77,180 annually, while entry-level positions start around $28,750 to $35,000 per year.
The typical hourly pay for a sterile processing technician ranges from $17.88 to $26.58. Most techs in the United States make roughly $19.43 per hour, according to recent data. Additionally, experienced professionals with certifications earn significantly more than those just starting.
Entry-level techs (0-2 years) earn $32,000 to $40,000 annually.
Competent technicians (3-5 years) earn $42,000 to $52,000 per year.
Experienced workers (6-10 years) bring home $52,000 to $62,000 per year.
Senior technicians (10+ years) command $62,000 to $77,180 or more annually.
Moreover, the job outlook remains strong through 2033 with 15% growth expected. Healthcare facilities desperately need qualified sterile processing technicians right now.
Where you work matters almost as much as where you live. Hospital-based sterile processing technicians typically earn $45,000 to $58,000 annually in acute care settings. Large medical centers with busy operating rooms pay at the higher end of this range.
Ambulatory surgery centers offer slightly lower but competitive wages, ranging from $42,000 to $54,000 per year. Nevertheless, the work remains fast-paced and requires excellent attention to detail.
Dental and veterinary facilities hire central sterile technicians at $35,000 to $45,000 per year. Furthermore, these positions often feature more predictable Monday-through-Friday scheduling patterns.
Medical device companies employ sterile processing professionals with central sterile technician salary ranging from $48,000 to $65,000 annually. Additionally, device manufacturers often provide better benefits packages than traditional healthcare facilities.
Travel sterile processing tech positions command the highest compensation, ranging from $55,000 to $75,000 or more. Weekly pay averages around $1,407 for travel assignments, according to staffing data. Plus, travel positions include housing stipends, meal allowances, and travel reimbursements, in addition to base pay.
Union facilities generally pay 12% to 18% more than non-union equivalent positions. Collective bargaining agreements ensure better wages, benefits, and working conditions overall. Therefore, seeking union hospitals can significantly boost your SPT salary in many metropolitan areas.
Comparing sterile processing tech compensation to related healthcare positions helps you make informed career decisions. Medical assistants train for 9 to 12 months and earn $38,000 to $45,000 annually. Job growth through 2031 is 16%, slightly higher than in sterile processing positions.
Surgical technicians require 12 to 24 months of training and earn $50,000 to $60,000 per year. However, job growth is only 6% due to automation and changes in surgical techniques. Additionally, surgical tech programs cost significantly more than sterile processing technician training overall.
Phlebotomists complete 4 to 6 months of training and earn a sterile processing technician salary of $36,000 to $42,000 per year. Growth projections show 8% expansion through the next decade for blood draw specialists. Nevertheless, phlebotomy offers fewer advancement opportunities than sterile processing career ladders.
Pharmacy technicians train for 6 to 12 months and make $35,000 to $45,000 annually. Job growth remains sluggish at just 4% due to automation and the expansion of mail-order pharmacies. Furthermore, retail pharmacy techs often work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, without shift differentials.
Sterile processing technicians offer the best combination of short training time, solid salary, and strong growth. The 15% projected growth through 2033 significantly outpaces that of most comparable healthcare positions. Moreover, the clear advancement pathway to supervisor and management roles provides long-term career stability.
The work environment also favors sterile processing positions over many healthcare alternatives. You’ll work behind the scenes without direct patient interaction or emotional stress. Standard shifts run Monday through Friday in most facilities with predictable scheduling patterns. Additionally, the physical demands remain moderate compared to nursing or surgical tech positions.
Several actionable factors can boost your sterile processing technician salary earnings beyond state-by-state differences alone.
Shift differentials represent the easiest immediate boost to take-home pay for most techs.
Working night shifts adds 10% to 20% to the hourly rate, which equals $3 to $6 more per hour.
Weekend shifts similarly provide premium pay above standard weekday rates. Evening differentials (3 PM to 11 PM) typically add $2 to $4 hourly. Overnight shifts (11 PM to 7 AM) command the highest differentials, ranging from $4 to $6 per hour.
Specializing in specific areas substantially increases your value to employers. Operating room turnover specialists who work directly in surgical suites earn roughly 15% more—scope processing experts handling flexible endoscopes command premium pay for their specialized knowledge and skills.
The management track offers another clear path to higher salaries for central sterile technicians. Lead technician positions pay $55,000 to $65,000 annually in most markets. Supervisors earn a sterile processing technician salary of $65,000 to $75,000 yearly, overseeing daily operations and staff. Department managers can reach $75,000 to $85,000 or more with full departmental responsibility.
Geographic arbitrage also creates interesting opportunities to maximize actual purchasing power. Some stereotypical technicians work in high-paying states while living in lower-cost areas across borders. For instance, working in New York while living in Pennsylvania captures high wages with moderate living expenses.
Overtime opportunities add substantial income for sterile processing technicians willing to work extra hours. Time-and-a-half pay for hours beyond 40 per week can boost annual earnings considerably. Some techs regularly work 48 to 50-hour workweeks, adding $10,000 to $15,000 yearly.
Starting your career smartly sets you up for maximum long-term earning potential. First, pursue CRCST certification through a quality training program within your first 6 to 8 months. This industry-standard credential opens doors and immediately increases your starting salary offers as a sterile processing technician.
Next, gain 2 years of solid experience in a busy hospital setting with high surgical volume. Extensive facilities expose you to diverse instrument types, complex procedures, and advanced sterilization technologies. Moreover, this experience makes you attractive to travel agencies and higher-paying specialized facilities later.
Then add specialty certifications such as CER or CIS during years 3 through 5. Each additional credential adds $2 to $4 hourly to your base sterile processing technician salary. Furthermore, multiple certifications position you for lead technician promotions and specialized department roles.
After building 3 to 5 years of experience, consider travel sterile processing tech positions seriously. Travel assignments pay 30% to 50% more than permanent staff positions in most cases. Additionally, housing stipends and meal allowances dramatically reduce your living expenses during contracts.
Target high-paying states strategically based on your personal situation and career goals. Massachusetts, Washington, and Maryland offer the highest nominal wages for central sterile technicians nationwide. However, don’t overlook value states like Pennsylvania and Texas that provide excellent purchasing power.
Pursue the leadership track if management interests you at all as a career option. Lead tech positions typically become available after 4 to 6 years of experience. Supervisor roles open up around years 7 to 10 with proper certifications and demonstrated leadership skills.
Network within professional organizations consistently throughout your career. These connections lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and staying current with industry salary trends. Consequently, networked professionals typically earn 8% to 12% more than isolated workers over their careers.
Becoming a sterile processing technician requires focused training, but not years of expensive education. Most certification programs take 6 to 8 months to complete through vocational schools or community colleges. Total training costs range from $3,000 to $8,00,0, depending on program location and format.
Philadelphia Technician Training Institute (PTTI) offers comprehensive sterile processing technician training with 80% hands-on learning. Students work with real sterilization equipment, actual surgical instruments, and current healthcare technology daily. Furthermore, PTTI maintains strong partnerships with Philadelphia-area hospitals for clinical placement and job opportunities afterward.
The basic requirements for entering training programs remain straightforward and accessible to most people. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to start any program. Training programs cover essential topics including decontamination procedures, packaging techniques, sterilization, quality assurance processes, and inventory management systems. You also learn anatomy basics, medical terminology, infection control principles, and safety regulations governing sterile processing departments.
The return on investment for sterile processing technician training is rapid compared to many careers. Financial aid options make training accessible to qualified students regardless of their current economic situations. Federal financial aid (FAFSA) covers many vocational programs, including sterile processing certification courses. Additionally, some hospitals offer tuition reimbursement programs if you commit to working there after graduation.
PTTI provides job placement assistance, helping graduates connect quickly with quality employers throughout the Philadelphia region. Many students receive job offers with high sterile processing technician salary packages before completing their programs due to high local demand.
Starting your journey begins with quality training. PTTI’s comprehensive program prepares you for immediate employment in busy hospital sterile processing departments. Moreover, the school’s connections throughout the Philadelphia healthcare system give graduates significant employment advantages.
Don’t let a lack of a college degree hold you back from a rewarding healthcare career. Sterile processing technicians prove every day that skills and certification matter more than expensive four-year degrees. Additionally, you’ll earn good money while making genuine contributions to patient safety and surgical success.
Research programs in your area today and take that first step toward a stable future. The healthcare industry needs qualified central sterile technicians right now across all 50 states. Therefore, training programs fill up quickly as word spreads about this excellent career opportunity.
Your future sterile processing tech salary starts with the decision you make today. Will you take action and invest in your career, or let another year pass without progress? The choice is yours, but the opportunity is clear and present right now.
Contact PTTI today to learn about enrollment, financial aid options, and career placement assistance. Within 6 to 8 months, you could be earning a solid sterile processing technician salary in a stable healthcare career. That’s a promise this profession delivers for dedicated students every single day across America.
How much do sterile processing technicians make per hour in 2025?
Sterile processing technician hourly pay ranges from $13.82 to $37.11, depending on experience, location, and certifications. The national average sits between $17.88 and $24.80 per hour currently. Central sterile techs in high-demand metropolitan areas often exceed $30 hourly, especially with night shift differentials included.
Certified technicians with CRCST credentials typically earn $2 to $4 more per hour than non-certified peers. Travel SPT positions offer the highest hourly rates at $40 to $50 per hour. However, travel rates include per diem allowances rather than pure wages in many cases.
Do sterile processing technicians make good money for the training required?
Yes, sterile processing technicians earn solid middle-class incomes with just 6 to 8 months of training. Starting sterile processing technician salary is around $32,000 to $40,000 compares favorably to jobs requiring 2-year associate degrees. Moreover, experienced techs making $60,000 to $77,180 annually demonstrate excellent long-term earning potential.
The return on investment beats most vocational careers significantly. You’ll break even on training costs within 3 to 6 months of employment, typically. Additionally, lifetime earnings of $1.2 million to $2 million make this career financially rewarding overall.
What is the highest paid sterile processing technician’s salary in the United States?
The sterile processing technician salary range for the top 10% of techs is $70,000 to $77,180 annually in staff positions. Travel techs can exceed $80,000 yearly, including all compensation components like housing stipends. Furthermore, department managers and supervisors earn $85,000 or more in major metropolitan hospitals.
Specialized roles in medical device companies sometimes pay even higher for quality assurance work—some experienced techs with multiple certifications command $90,000 in premium markets like San Francisco.
Is a career as a sterile processing technician a promising career in 2025?
Absolutely a great career choice. The field offers 15% job growth through 2033, exceeding most healthcare occupations significantly. Stable demand, clear advancement paths, and solid compensation make sterile processing technician careers attractive overall. Additionally, the work provides steady schedules without the direct patient care stress many healthcare workers face.
The profession suits people who enjoy hands-on technical work, attention to detail, and teamwork. You’ll play a crucial role in every surgery without the emotional intensity of operating room positions. Therefore, sterile processing represents an excellent career choice for many people seeking healthcare stability.
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